Public Transport Usage Won’t Likely Change Despite Budi95 Subsidy – Loke

The travel pattern of public transport users is unlikely to change despite the lower petrol price under the Budi95 initiative.

The travel pattern of public transport users is unlikely to change despite the lower RON95 petrol fuel price under the Budi95 initiative, said Transport Minister Anthony Loke.

Speaking to The Star, Loke said that commuters would continue to use public transport as the services remain cost-effective and practical compared with driving private vehicles.

“Public transport is affordable, especially with our RM50 monthly pass. It also offers convenience and time savings,” he told reporters after the opening of the Gombak Integrated Terminal (TBG) by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

The minister was asked whether the fuel subsidy, which sets RON95 at RM1.99 per litre beginning today (Sept 30, 2025), would have an effect on the public transportation user numbers.

Loke further added that the Ministry of Transport (MoT) would continue to monitor travel data while promoting the advantages of public transport, adding that fuel prices were only one factor influencing commuting choices.

In response to concerns that cheaper fuel prices might encourage greater use of private vehicles, the minister said that the Budi95 was a targeted initiative to ensure assistance reached the right groups.

“There are many other areas and states that depend on private vehicles, especially in the semi-rural areas and semi-urban areas, where public transport is still limited.

“While we are encouraging public transport, we have to take into consideration that not every part of the country can depend on public transport. That’s why this subsidy is important,” he continued.

Under the Budi95 scheme, eligible vehicle owners can buy up to 300 litres of RON95 petrol per month at the subsidised price of RM1.99 per litre. To qualify for this, owners must be Malaysian citizens with a valid MyKad, plus hold a valid Malaysian driving license (LLM).

On that topic, MoT advises members of the public to keep updating their driving license details, as the latest data from the Road Transport Department (JPJ) shows that around 0.88% of the 17 million eligible Budi95 recipients have yet to update their details.

Among the popular cases are license holders who did not update their new MyKad numbers, errors in keying in the information during the license registration process, and many more.

Lastly, the ministry said these license holders are advised to update their details at any nearby JPJ offices and kiosks in order for them to enjoy the Budi95 subsidy benefits in the future.